First off, a convention art show is a bit different than the average craft fair (that would be the vendor/dealer’s room). Nor is it quite like a gallery event, though I think it probably comes a bit closer. It’s sort of a hybrid of the two. Space is offered as either a table, or panel for flatwork (paintings/prints, etc… I’ve seen nice jewelry displays on panels as well).

Basically, you pay for your space, fill it with your work and the bid sheets for it (most art shows are of the silent auction variety), and bring up a control sheet (basically an inventory list with bid minimum/quicksale prices) to the staff. Most shows will not allow you to add onto that for logistical reasons – it’s how they make sure that it is your stuff on your table, and whether or not something is missing.

For the most part, everything stays up for the duration of the show, to allow for as many bids as possible. There is the option to “quick sale” a piece, and it typically stays there as well, to be picked up at the end of the show. On occasion, such as someone only at the con for one day, the show will allow a quick sale item to leave at the time of sale. Quick sales are logged on the control sheets immediately – this assures all holes are maintained.

Most shows are designed with a level of security in mind: single entrance/exit, someone monitoring that entrance, there is sometimes a bag check to limit the chance of something being tucked out of sight, and the layouts are set for ease of monitoring. Additionally, staff members will make rounds to check the displays.

At the end of the show, sold items are grouped by bidder to be picked up. Remaining art is picked up by the artists, or boxed up in the case of mail-in artists (which is a topic for another time).

Payment… that’s the tricky part. I’ve been lucky. Most of the shows I’ve done, all the local ones I’ve been in, pay the artists at the end of the show. One one of my three regulars takes in mail-in work, but the Director’s usually get the checks in the mail within a week, if not sent in the box with the unsold art. Other shows vary, and I’ve heard some nightmare stories. As with all things, research is a big help here.

Why would someone choose an art show over a dealer’s table? Both have up sides and down. Art shows are typically less expensive than a dealer’s table. This is particularly good if you are just getting into the con circuit. With an art show, the staff takes care of the sales and you can enjoy the rest of the convention, or even go back home and return at the end. With a dealer’s table, you get direct interaction with your buyers. Both sides have decent options.